The Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), on February 6, 2025, issued a circular regarding the activation of Universal Account Number (UAN) and the seeding of bank accounts with Aadhaar for availing the benefits under the Employees’ Linked Insurance (ELI) Scheme.
Key Highlights of the Circular:
1. Extension of Deadline:
- EPFO has extended the deadline for UAN activation and Aadhaar seeding with the bank account of employees to February 15, 2025.
- This extension provides employers and employees more time to complete the necessary procedures to ensure eligibility for benefits under the ELI Scheme.
2. Background:
- The extension follows several previous circulars issued by the EPFO regarding UAN activation and Aadhaar seeding for ELI Scheme benefits. These circulars were issued on:
- November 22, 2024
- December 4, 2024
- December 20, 2024
- These circulars set the framework for ensuring that employees are properly registered with the EPFO and that their details are correctly linked to their Aadhaar and bank accounts to facilitate smooth claims under the scheme.
3. Action Required by Employers:
- Employers of all establishments covered under the EPFO are requested to ensure that the UAN of employees is activated and that Aadhaar details are properly seeded with their bank accounts before the new deadline of February 15, 2025.
- This step is crucial for employees to avail of the benefits offered under the Employees’ Linked Insurance (ELI) scheme.
4. Purpose of UAN Activation and Aadhaar Seeding:
- UAN Activation ensures that an employee’s provident fund account is linked to a unique number, streamlining their contributions and withdrawals.
- Aadhaar Seeding ensures that an employee’s identity and banking details are verified, making it easier to process claims, including insurance benefits under the ELI scheme.
